Posted by Chad Nelson on May 30, 2002 at 03:32:36:
I recently bought another Savage (love these bikes!), and made the newbie mistake of overfilling the oil (filled it while on the kickstand). I've drained the excess oil out and was able to start the engine, but of course have a slight leak from the head. I was considering replacing the gaskets if the leaking didn't stop...BUT first my wife left the key in park position and the battery went dead.
I put the battery on a trickle charger and was able to start the bike, but now the engine dies after I kick the thing down into first gear. It runs great in neutral, although still leaking oil.
I've heard several opinions that perhaps the battery is shot due to overcharging (I charged it for about 2 hours), or that maybe the charging system itself is now shot. Neither of these ideas seem to make any sense since it fires up just fine and runs great in neutral.
Anyone have any clues as to what is up?